Tired of learning the hard way?

Are you the kind of person that just seems bent on learning everything the hard way?  You probably have this independence about you that demands testing the waters and discovering the answers on your own.

My son plays competitive soccer and so most weekends we are playing multiple games with short breaks between. We finished our first game on Saturday and had just enough time to get a little something to eat before the next game. I told him he should eat something light so his stomach wasn't upset during the next game. I didn't think this was an outrageous suggestion! However, all he could think about was that he wanted a burrito. We argued back and forth for about 5 minutes and then finally I just gave in. He would have to learn the hard way.

Our lives are full of moments where we refuse to hear the validity in others. This independence is both a strength and a weakness. Does your inability to listen to others usually lead to difficult life lessons? If so, maybe you are beginning to get weary of learning the hard way.

In the scriptures we watch God's chosen people, the Israelites, learn one hard lesson after another. They made a habit of learning the hard way. In Psalm 83 we read a behind the scenes account of Israel asking God to teach a hard lesson to their enemies. The Psalm calls on God to destroy those who come against Israel. The Psalmist says, "...utterly disgrace them until they submit to your name...let them be disgraced and terrified forever." And then verse 18,

"Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord , that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth." 

Sometimes the pain that comes with bad decisions is the only way we learn. It is through the consequences of our bad decisions that we learn that God's ways are actually the best ways. We learn that God is truly right and his ways are righteous. When we suffer the impact of bad decisions we recognize our need for support, encouragement, and insight from others.

If you are tired of learning the hard way - start listening to the Godly counsel of those around you. Take God's word seriously and choose to live according to the scriptures. In this decision you will avoid unnecessary hardship and learn that God alone is "the most high, supreme over all the earth." 

Stop it!! Go Big or Go Home.

How many times in life do we lose because we played it safe?  There have been numerous sports teams who held a strong lead heading into the final quarter of a game only to lose the lead because they changed their game plan. They initially took the lead because of their aggressive "go big or go home" mentality only to lose because at some point they started playing it safe. I am convinced that life wasn't made to play safe.

• Play it safe with your kids and miss out on HUGE life changing conversations.
• Play it safe in your work only to meet status quo.
• Play it safe in your relationships only to miss the excitement and thrill of risk (and the growth that comes through it).
• Play it safe in your recovery only to miss out on the opportunity to help others.

I believe it is time more people stepped out of the comfort zone and chose to go big or go home!

The two main factors that keep us from going big is our tendency to preserve and protect. We attempt to preserve our comfort and protect our liability. For example, preserving my standard of living has easily kept me from reaching for bigger dreams and bigger impact. Protecting my wife from the fear that comes from the unknown and preserving security has kept me from stepping out and up. Preserving the way others view me and protecting my pride has kept me from going big or going home.

In an effort to preserve and protect have you chosen to pass on a God-given dream or ambition?

Today, I have chosen to take responsibility and ownership in the face of preservation and protection. When I focus on preservation and protection I end up feeling powerless and paralyzed but when I focus on responsibility and ownership I end up energized and empowered. Ownership means taking the daily steps necessary the create new realities. Taking responsibly means leading in your life and initiatives.

So what will it be for you today, will you preserve and protect your life or strive after your dreams with responsibility and ownership?

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Did you hear about what is coming? Can you believe it?

Ever struggled to sleep at night because of your anticipation for the next day? You might be leaving on a much needed vacation, going out on a first date, meeting with you boss about a promotion, or preparing to walk your daughter down the aisle. It is an incredible feeling as you lay awake - you know something amazing is about to be completed in your life but it is just hours from reach. Even though you miss the sleep, the thrill and excitement about what is to come is better.

The bible paints a similar picture of eager expectation for what is to come. Romans 8:19 says,

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." 

This verse paints a picture of all inclusive anticipation. The trees, the flowers, the wind, the rain, the birds, the rumblings of the earth, the people - everyone eagerly anticipating God's presence revealed through his sons and daughters. Some people are looking for God in everything around them; in every event, circumstance, and encounter. Other people doubt that God is really working in the world at all and no special moment or conversation is connected to God's divine participation. So who is right?

When we are not looking for God moments we miss them. The difference between those who are constantly seeing and experiencing God in creation and those who are not is heart and eyes. Align your life to God and watch for him to show up. I believe creation is on fire. Creation is ecstatic as it sees glimpses and flashes of God like lighting across the sky. He is everywhere and working in everything.

How would you life change if you woke up today with eager anticipation of the revealing of God? I believe God is longing today to reveal you as "sons of God" and in turn send creation into a chaotic uproar of applause.